Discussion:1) Why was Barney so intent on getting Andy remarried, although he
had never married? Why did Thelma Lou get involved in Barney’s plan?
Was she really against it since she didn’t attend the two meetings? What are
some possible things that it might be acceptable for Barney to help Andy with?
How were the one dozen Mayberry single ladies affected by Barney’s meddling?
How did Helen react to the obvious pairing with Andy? Why didn’t she answer
Barney’s questions the way he obviously wanted her to?

2) How could Andy and Opie have benefited from Andy
getting married again? Why had he waited so long? What were his expectations?
What were Helen’s? Could the two possibly blend their respective expectations
into a good marriage and happy family? What would it take? Even if they made a
nice couple on the date, isn’t there much more to consider before jumping into a
marriage/family? Why didn’t Barney think of that? What were Barney’s
expectations of marriage? Why did he assume that everyone felt the same way?
When Andy decided to court Miss Crump, why wasn’t Barney happy then?

3) Why wasn’t Barney anxious to marry? Was he being
patient just like Andy’s example? Are most people patient today in waiting for
the right mate? Why do so many marriages fail these days? Was either of the
two couples ready for marriage at this point? Why or why not? How do you think
Andy was doing as a single parent? Explain. How were Andy’s and Helen’s lives
enriched by waiting to marry? How and why had Andy and Opie’s relationship
blossomed? Why is patience so hard for most of us? What are the benefits of
pursuing patience and perseverance? What are the benefits of resisting
meddlesome tendencies we may have? Can you see how the above points may be
helpful in other relationships and friendships?

Final Thoughts: Andy: I ain’t found the woman I want to marry yet! I ain’t puttin’
it off! I miss bein’ married. Sometimes I feel downright lonesome. I miss
goin’ home to a wife. But then, you see, gettin’ married means you found the
woman you want to settle down with, and I ain’t found her yet! But when I do,
you’ll be the first to know, OK?!